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Known for its turquoise waters, Crystal Lake sits just east of Lake Michigan in Benzie County in northwest Lower Michigan. Surrounded by gentle hills, woodlands and small villages, Crystal provides year-round recreation. Its waters harbor a variety of sport fish species providing diverse angling experiences. Those 17 years of age and older are required to purchase a fishing license available online from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Bait, equipment and boat rentals are available from dealers located near Crystal shores.

Crystal Lake

Crystal Lake has an interesting history. In 1873, a failed attempt to create a channel between Crystal Lake and the nearby Lake Michigan resulted in lowering Crystal's water level. The doomed project provided the benefit of creating a sandy beach along Crystal's 20-mile perimeter. This reconfigured landscape led to the development of resort resources which today supports anglers. Crystal spans 15.4 square miles and is Michigan's ninth largest lake. Its average depth is 70.7 feet with a maximum depth of 165 feet.

Access

Seven public access sites located around Crystal Lake accommodate launching fishing watercraft. Beulah Public Launch along Lake Street provides access on the eastern shore. The launch at Zada County Park allows anglers to put in at the lake's north side. The south side of Crystal offers a series of launch points, including one at Fair Park in Beulah, a Lobb Road site, the Frankfort Public Beach launch and the Department of Natural Resources launch off Mollineaux Road east of Benzonia. The DNR launch area provides a boat cleaning station to prevent transmission of invasive species.

Species

According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, Crystal Lake offers anglers one of the best hook-and-line smelt fishing experiences in the state. Smelt are fished at night using lights to draw them near the surface and using small hooks and insect larvae bait. Each spring the DNR stocks Crystal Lake with 60,000 lake trout. Species the lake supports include brown, lake and rainbow trout, as well as rock bass, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and coho salmon. Crystal is one of only two lakes in the state with a confined coho population.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is one of the area's favorite winter activities. Anglers targeting Crystal's trout population find the species concentrated within the lake's western section. Tip-ups help reel in brown and rainbow trout. Lake trout require using a jig with heavy spoons or attaching sucker meat, smelt or minnow heads to the lure. Tie-ups with live smelt or emerald shiners are also successful. Five Corners Bait & Tackle Shop located across from Beulah's public launch is a convenient stop to gear up for an angling experience or for hot fishing tips.Anglers are encouraged to take advantage of the Michigan February Free Fishing Weekend. During the two-day annual event, all fishing license requirements and fees are waived.

Resources

About the Author

Sally Barber is a 20-year veteran of the publishing industry. A specialist in business, travel, sustainable tourism and the environment, she has written for Virgin Atlantic Airways, the "Detroit Free Press," "Great Lakes Seaway Review" and various websites. Barber is also the author of three books.

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